This Congressional subcommittee report describes a study of national policies affecting midlife women, and represents the culmination of subcommittee hearings and a detailed examination of the problems of midlife women. An overview of the problem is followed by a discussion of major issues raised at the hearings and in committee study, including educational and job barriers and proposals to improve opportunities for women in these areas. A "Homemakers Bill of Rights" and counseling services are presented as methods by which midlife women's needs for education and jobs could be met. Proposals are included for reform of the Social Security system and pension coverage; improvements in pre-retirement planning and self-help networks are recommended. Sections on health issues and parent care problems are followed by consideration of the special problems faced by foreign service and military service wives. Suggestions for dealing with the problems of men and women in midlife are included; general proposals and federal financial costs are considered. Statistical information about midlife women and committee findings are also enumerated and summarized. (NRB)